Avalanche Forecast

Issued: May 1st, 2024 4:00PM

The alpine rating is considerable, the treeline rating is moderate, and the below treeline rating is below threshold. Known problems include Wind Slabs and Loose Dry.

Avalanche Canada MF, Avalanche Canada

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Up to 30 cm of recent storm snow and variable winds have created wind slabs at upper elevations.

Watch for signs of reactivity at the interface of this new snow, especially where it sits over a crust.

Summary

Confidence

Moderate

Avalanche Summary

Storm slabs, and wind slabs in the alpine (size 1 to 2) were reported by local ski hills. Loose dry avalanches (size 1) were observed out of steep alpine terrain.

Snowpack Summary

15-35 cm settled storm snow (in the alpine) from past 5 days overlays crusts on all aspects except north (above 2400m) where it overlays dry snow.

The mid-pack Feb 3 persistent layer (crust/facet layer) and basal depth hoar remain the most prominent features in the snowpack but have been dormant with recent cool temperatures. These layers are a greater concern in thin snowpack areas on north slopes above 2300m.

Weather Summary

A clearing trend is expected with lingering clouds and freezing levels rising slightly.

Thurs: Cloudy with sunny periods, alpine highs of -3 °C, northeast ridgetop winds 15 km/h gusting to 40 km/h, freezing levels 2100 meters.

Fri: A mix of sun and cloud, alpine lows -6 °C, highs 0 °C, east ridgetop winds 10-25 km/h. freezing level 2300 meters.

For more detailed weather click here.

Terrain and Travel Advice

  • Watch for wind-loaded pockets especially around ridgecrest and in extreme terrain.
  • Wind slabs may be poorly bonded to the underlying crust.

Problems

Wind Slabs

An icon showing Wind Slabs

New snow and wind over the last several days have created wind slabs in alpine lee features.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: Alpine.

Likelihood

Possible - Likely

Expected Size

1 - 2

Loose Dry

An icon showing Loose Dry

Loose dry avalanche activity may increase as the storm snow settles and the sun pops out, carefully consider this problem if you're planning to head into steep gullies or couloirs!

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Possible - Likely

Expected Size

1 - 1.5

Valid until: May 2nd, 2024 4:00PM

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